Valve-operating device



May 1, 1928. 7 1,667,990

R. ROGERS VALVE OPERATING DEVI CE.

Filed Jan. 28, 1927 TJ'GQZ -7Za6en" 306670.

Patented May 1, 192 8.

UNITED STATES ROBERT ROGERS, 0F, DALLAS, :TEXAS.

VALVE-OPERATING DEVICE.

Applicationiled January 28, 1927. Serial 110,164,232.

This invention relates to valve operating devices, and has more particular reference to an improved device of this kindparticiilarly serviceable in connection with the flush or outlet, valves of water closet tanks and the like.

The primary object'of the present invention is to provide a valve operating device of the above kind which will be smooth, noiseless and efficient in operation, simple and durable in construction, and not liable to readily get out of order. I

Another object isto provide an improved operating device of the abovekind which may be cheaply and easily manufactured and installed. 2 Z

Other objects will become apparent as the nature of the invention is better. understood, and the same consists in the novel form, combination and arrangementof parts hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawing and claimed.

In the drawing, wherein like reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away and in section, of a water closet tank having a flush valve equipped with an operating device constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially upon line 22 of Figure 1, with parts omitted;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the device shown in Figure 2 with the operating lever and valve omitted; and

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section taken substantially upon line 4--4 of Figure 2.

Referring more in detail to the drawing, the embodiment of the invention illustrated is shown associated with the flush or outlet valve 5 of a water closet tank 6 in which surplus water is disposed of in the usual manner through an overflow pipe 7 and which is equipped with a suitable float controlled outlet valve whose float is indicated at 8. As shown, the water overflow pi e 7 usually extends upwardly through the ottom of thetank 6 in a vertical position beside the outlet 9 controlled by the valve 5.

A horizontal rock shaft 10 may be journaled in an upper corner portion of the front wall of the tank 6. in the usual manner, the same being uipped with a rigid depending lever or cra arm as at 11 upon its inner end and within the tank 6, and a normally depending handle 12 beingflxcd upon the.

outer cndof the shaft 10 exteriorly of the tank.

device is optional although preferable.

Essentially, the present invention embodies a guide 13 rigidly supported directly above and spaced from the upper end of the up--- wardly projectingstem 14 which is usually provided on the valve 5iand vertically-guided in a bearing upon the free end of a horizontal bracket arm 15 clamped .to the overflow pipe 7.

and terminates at its upper end in an outturned annular flange 16. The guide 13 is preferably constructed of cast metal and provided with a lining of soft metal, such as lead, as at 17, for a purpose which will presently become apparent. A convenient way of supporting the guide 13 is'to form the same rigid with one end of a horizontal bracket arm 18, the other end of which is equipped, with a s'uitableflclamp 19 by nieans of which rigid attachment of the bracket arm .18 to the upper end portion of the overflow pipe 7 may be readily effected. It is a parent that by sliding the clamp 19 on t e overflow pipe 7, the guide 13 may be adjusted to the desired elevation for most efiicient operation of the device.

element or strand 20 preferably in the form of a well known typeof beaded chain, as shown, wherein a plurality of rod like links However, this part of the operating.

As shown, the guide 13 consists: of a frusto-conical tubular member whichtapers and flares larger in an upper direction The present 4 invent-ion further embodies a limber, flexible are universally connected at adjacent ends by means of the bead elements. This limber flexible strand is attached at one end in a suitable manner to the lower end of the, crank arm 11 and extends substantially horizontally inwardly therefrom to and downwardly through the guide 13 where it is attached as at 21 to the upper end of the valve stem 14. These connections of the [element 20 to the arm 11 and stem 14 are The lower end of the dependingven:

be exerted upon the flexible strand or element 20, thus lengthening the horizontal portion of the strand 20 and shortening the vertical portion thereof so that the valve is lifted from its seat to allow the water to freely flow from the tank 6 through the outlet 9. As is usual in this kind of device, the valve 5 is of hollow construction and will float when disengaged from its seat, thereby allowing complete emptying of the tank before it again seats. This action is well known as is also the fact that the valve is retained seated by the weight of the water thereon which is subsequently introduced into the tank, in the presence of the suction effect had by the tendency of the water to attempt to flow out of the outlet 9. In order to overcome any friction and insure return of the parts to normal position upon emptying of the tank, the weight 22 is utilized as described. Thus, the weight of the valve and its stem is not utilized for this return of the parts of the operating device to normal position so that the valve may freely close. By providing the soft metal lining 17 in the guide 13, noise is practically entirely eliminated which would otherwise slightly occur by reason of the movement of the flexible member 20 through the guide 13. It has been found that a flared tubular guide 13 as shown will operate more efficiently than a curved tubular guide of uni form diameter, although either form of guide will be operative for the urpose. Moreover, the flared guide enables tie beaded chain to work smoothly through it from any angle or direction.

From the above, it will be seen that I have provided a valve operating device which will work smoothly, noiselessly and with more efiiciency than such attachments or devices that are now in common use involving numerous objectionable working parts such as levers and rigid links.

Minor changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the in vention as claimed.

lVhat I claim as new is:-

A valve operating device of the character described including a flexible strand adapted to be connected at one end to a valve adapted to be lifted from its seat, a guide adapted to be fixed above the valve, said flexible strand being adapted to pass u wardly from the valve through the gui e and then laterally from the guide for being pulled at its other end, said guide embodying a frusto-conical tubular member tapered larger in an upward direction, and having a metallic sound-deadening lining, said flexible strand embodying a metallic beaded chain.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

ROBERT ROGERS. 

